Amit Shah Announces Ambitious Reforms: UCC and ‘One Nation, One Election’ to be Prioritized in BJP’s Next Term

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is committed to implementing two significant reforms if re-elected to power: the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the ‘One Nation, One Election’ system. In a detailed interview with PTI, Shah outlined the party’s vision for the next five years, emphasizing the extensive consultations and preparations required for these initiatives.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A Step Towards National Integration

Amit Shah reiterated the BJP’s long-standing promise to implement the Uniform Civil Code across the nation. He emphasized that a five-year term would be sufficient to consult all stakeholders and bring this code into effect. “The UCC is a responsibility entrusted to us by the makers of the Constitution. It’s time we fulfill this obligation,” Shah stated.

He highlighted that the UCC is essential for ensuring gender equality and uniformity in personal laws across different communities. Shah referred to constitutional framers and legal luminaries like K.M. Munshi, Rajendra Babu, and B.R. Ambedkar, who advocated for a secular legal system not based on religion.

Shah pointed out that the BJP has already made strides in this direction by implementing the UCC in Uttarakhand, where the party holds a majority. This implementation serves as a model for how the code can be rolled out at both state and national levels. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive debate involving religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society before finalizing the UCC.

‘One Nation, One Election’: Streamlining India’s Electoral Process

In addition to the UCC, Shah discussed the BJP’s plan to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election’ system, which aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He argued that holding simultaneous elections would significantly reduce the financial burden on the exchequer and ensure smoother governance.

“The time has come for simultaneous elections in the country,” Shah said, adding that this reform would also address the disruption caused by frequent elections, which often put the government’s functioning on hold. He suggested that shifting the election schedule to a cooler period, such as winter, could be considered to avoid the extreme summer heat that currently coincides with the election season.

Comprehensive Consultation and Legal Framework

Shah stressed the need for thorough consultations before these major reforms are implemented. He mentioned that the BJP manifesto for the current Lok Sabha elections has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to these goals, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach.

The Modi government, Shah said, has already set up a high-powered committee to examine the feasibility and framework for simultaneous elections. This committee’s recommendations will be crucial in shaping the legislative and administrative measures required for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative.

Ensuring Gender Equality and Social Justice

The push for the UCC is rooted in the BJP’s belief that uniform personal laws are critical for achieving true gender equality. Shah argued that the current system, which allows different communities to follow their own personal laws, often results in gender-based discrimination. The UCC, he contended, would provide a common framework that ensures equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.

Future Steps and Government Commitment

Looking ahead, Shah assured that the BJP government, if re-elected, would prioritize these reforms. The implementation of the UCC and ‘One Nation, One Election’ will be pursued with a focus on building consensus and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

“We are committed to these reforms because they are vital for the nation’s unity and progress,” Shah concluded. He assured that the government would provide the necessary support and ensure accountability in carrying out these significant changes.

By addressing these critical issues, the BJP aims to strengthen the fabric of India’s democracy and promote a more equitable society. The proposed reforms reflect the party’s vision of a unified and efficient nation, ready to tackle the challenges of the future.